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It’s the last weekend before Christmas, making it one last chance to squeeze in those holiday memories at these dazzling light shows and markets before the big day arrives.
Winter Wonder Lights at Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva
www.genevaparks.org/special-events/winter-wonder-lights/
Create a new family tradition by stopping by the new Winter Wonder Lights. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated pathways and take in the twinkling splendor. This free event include visits and photos with Santa (pre-registration required), cookie decorating, crafts and holiday music. Visitors also can enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit. Lights will remain on daily from 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 1.
Christmas Lights Show at Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove
goebberts.com/christmaslightshows
Goebbert’s Drive-Thru Light Show and Larsen’s House Display are open from 5-9 p.m., with tickets available every half hour. Online tickets are required for entry. The show remains up until Jan. 5. See a mesmerizing light display, and the amazing Larsen Light Show.
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Celebration of Lights in Rotary Park, LaSalle
Facebook page: facebook.com/LaSalleLights/
This free festive light display will be showcased in a drive-thru for the public to enjoy at Rotary Park at 2845 E. 5th Road through Jan. 1.
Chris Kringle Market in downtown Ottawa
Grab a market mug of Belgian hot cocoa while taking in the holiday decorations and family-friendly events during the Chris Kringle Market in downtown Ottawa. Pick up some handmade goodies and festive decorations from the marketplace of local artisans, crafters and small businesses. Other activities include tree lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, holiday-themed workshops and kids’ crafts. Chris Kringle Market is open weekends Friday through Sunday from now through Dec. 22.
Aurora Festival of Lights at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive
enjoyaurora.com/blog/post/holidaylightsaurora/
The display is open from 5 to 9 p.m. at the park through Dec. 29. This is the largest free outdoor drive thru holiday light display in the region, featuring dazzling displays and merry music that will delight children and adults. Visitors will enjoy a mile of spectacular lighted displays from the comfort of the car while listening to holiday songs on a closed-circuit radio station.
Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway in Aurora
www.christkindlmarket.com/aurora/
Experience a touch of German and European holiday traditions while strolling through the Christkindlmarket in downtown Aurora. This outdoor marketplace features unique gifts as well as food and beverages, including mulled wine. Christkindlmarket will be open through Dec. 24. Check the website for operating days and times.
GLOW Holiday Festival at the Joliet Hammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr. in Joliet
Now through Jan. 5, take in the over 1 million lights on display during GLOW Holiday Festival at its new location, the Joliet Hammers Stadium. The vignettes include a fairy castle adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, an enchanted forest that includes lit trees and play huts, and color blossoms – a field of changing illuminated blooms throughout the stadium. Youngsters and teens can hang out at the Penguin Playground, featuring seesaws, swings and climbing structures in lights. Entry times are reserved hourly beginning at 5 p.m. with the last reserved entry time at 8 p.m. One dollar from every festival ticket will be donated to charities in the Joliet and Chicago area. Visit the website to purchase tickets.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle
See the winter woods shine during this innovative light show at The Morton Arboretum. Travel along the one-mile paved path that’s ADA-compliant while taking in 17 displays of lights and music. New this year is Celebration Circle, an interactive light display in The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden featuring four sets of illuminated tree-shaped installations, each synced to the music of a different instrument. Stop by the warmth of a fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Or step inside a warming/concession tent for a quick bite before finishing the walk. Illumination runs through Jan. 6. Visit mortonarb.org to purchase tickets before your visit.
Ice & Lights Fest in downtown Lemont
The 5th annual Ice & Lights Fest embraces the season of snow, ice and holiday lights on Saturday, Jan. 18. Over 20 ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses will be on display by 1 p.m. throughout downtown Lemont and remain up until they melt. Then head over to Front Street from 3 to 5 p.m. for a variety of activities including a visit with live reindeer, free hayrides and live ice carving demonstrations. The Lemont firefighters will be out helping attendees roast marshmallows, and the Creamery truck will be giving away 500 cups of hot chocolate courtesy of the Village of Lemont. Visit www.lemont.il.us for a map with ice sculpture locations.
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Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford
andersongardens.org/illuminated/
Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford will be awash in color for the holiday season. “Illuminated,” a winter lights experience, continues from 5 to 8:30 p.m. through Jan. 5. The annual event features dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven throughout the Garden’s landscape and canopy, creating a captivating winter atmosphere to stroll through. Enjoy a fireside dinner inside the visitors center. Made-to-order Woodfire Pizza and a rotating schedule of food trucks will be available nightly. Anderson Japanese Gardens is located at 318 Spring Creek Road in Rockford.